Method and means for cleansing teeth and their gingival crevices

ABSTRACT

A method and means for cleaning teeth and their gingival crevices constructed on a standard plaster dental model or cast. Fitted into the plaster cast at locations where x-ray examination and clinical examination indicate periodontal disease are a plurality of stainless steel pins which extend a short distance outwardly from the tooth at an angle. Suitable sleeves of the desired shape and size are positioned on the pins after which soft flexible tubing having a plurality of protuberances is positioned over the sleeves and pins. After the tubing is in position a quick cure acrylic may or may not be interposed between the outer surface of the teeth and the tubing to assure correct positioning of the instrument on or around the teeth.

United States Patent 1 Westline 1 July 3,1973

[76] Inventor: John R. Westline, 600 N. W. 9th St., Delray Beach, Fla.

221 Filed: Mar.30, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 129,332

[52] US. Cl. 3128/62 A, 32/33 [51] Int. Cl A6lh 7/00 [58] Field of Search 128/62 A, 62 R;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,379,l92 4/1968 Warren, Jr 128/62 A Primary ExaminerRobert Peshock Attorney-Howard Flammer [57] ABSTRACT A method and means for cleaning teeth and their gingival crevices constructed on a standard plaster dental model or cast.

Fitted into the plaster cast at locations where x-ray examination and clinical examination indicate periodontal disease are a plurality of stainless steel pins which extend a short distance outwardly from the tooth at an angle. Suitable sleeves of the desired shape and size are positioned on the pins after which soft flexible tubing having a plurality of protuberances is positioned over the sleeves and pins. After the tubing is in position a quick cure acrylic may or may not be interposed between the outer surface of the teeth and the tubing to assure correct positioning of the instrument on or around the teeth.

1 Claim, 14 Drawing Figures PAIENTEnJuLa I973 3 742 mums INVENTOR.

JOHN R WEST I NE PAIENTEDJuLs ma 3.742.942 swim a or a 9, lOor H WATER FLOW INVENTOR. JOHN R WEST] NE BY m METHOD AND MEANS FOR CLEANSING TEETH AND THEIR GINGIVAL CREVICES My invention relates to an improved method and means for cleansing teeth and their gingival crevices and is an improvement on my invention disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,218 dated Sept. 8, I970.

In accordance with my invention as herein depicted I have evolved a method and means for cleaning teeth which is a distinct improvement over known methods and involves technigues which are novel and utilitarian. My proposed invention is tailored to the individual mouth since it is well known that all jaws and mouths have a different structure hence to-operate efficiently a cleaning device for the teeth must be designed to fit the individual involved just as any surgical or medical appliance must be fitted to the individual.

The inventor having had considerable experience in the dental field has invented a novel method and means for cleaning the teeth and periodontal structures which does an efficient job with no danger to the teeth or their supporting structures.

The object of my invention is to provide an individualized method and means for cleansing teeth and the gingival crevices around the teeth.

Other objectives and advantages will be readily apparent from the following detailed description when read with reference to the following drawings of which FIG. 1, Unit A, is a plan view, in perspective illustrating the flexible U shaped member or tube having a plurality of protuberances extending inwardly therefrom.

FIG. 2, Unit A, is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. I but provides for inside and outside application with inlets to each. U" shaped section and connected to a 'siamese fitting each inlet of which maybe individually controlled. (not shown) 7 FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 illustrate various tips or nozzles which maybe used.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in perspective showing a segment of teeth.

FIG. 8 is a crosssectional view partly in section showing how the steel pins are positioned.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating how the pins are positioned at an angle with respect to the teeth.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 and shows the nozzle or tip in position over the pin.

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but shows the protuberance of the plastic U" shaped member embracing the nozzle and tip.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating how the tips or nozzles are positioned with respect to the teeth and connected to the U" shaped member.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but shows acrylic between the teeth and U" shaped tube.

FIG. 14 is a plan view and depicts the U shaped member embracing the teeth with the tips or nozzles interposed therebetween and the acrylic material embreacing the teeth and U shaped member.

As shown in the various figures and with particular reference to FIG. 1 which is designated Unit A, one embodiment of my invention comprises a hollow substantially U shaped semiflexible member 2, for example, one of the well-known plastic compositions which is impervious to normal oral secretions. This U shaped member has a circular cross-section and is sealed at its free ends and is provided with an inlet tube 1 midway between the ends thereof which is intended to be connected to a suitable source of liquid under pressure.

Located on the inner surface of the member 2 are a plurality of spaced apart protuberances 3 which have central bores therein which communicate with the inner channel of the U shaped member 2, as shown in detail in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2 a reinforcing member 4, of elongated configuration is positioned in the channel of the member 2 so that the member 2 maybe readily bent to conform to the contour of the jaw or teeth being worked upon.

As shown and indicated by the arrows, liquid is introduced into the tube 1 and is adapted to be discharged from the protuberances 3 which will be described in detail later on in the specification.

In FIG. 3 (Unit B) I have shown a modified form of my invention for cleansing the inside of the teeth and the outside at the same time. In this concept I employ two U shaped members 7 and 8. Like the member 2 of FIG. 1 the members 7 and 8 are provided with protuberances 3-3 one group being on the inner surface as shown in FIG. 1 and the other on the outer surfaces of the member 8.

Each of the members 7 and 8 are provided with inlet tubes 5 and 6 which terminate in a simanese connection. Suitable means (not shown) may be used to control the flow of liquid to either or both the U shaped members.

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 depict nozzles 9, 10 and 11 of various shapes to be used in conjunction with ap'plicants improved method of cleansing teeth and which are adapted to fit over any of the desired protuberances 3 in the members 2, 7 or 8 which will hereinafter be described in detail.

In FIG. 7 I have shown a fragment of tooth structure 12, and in FIG. 8 I have shown a steel pin 13 embedded adjacent the base of the tooth.

In FIG. 9 I have shown how the pins 13, 13, 13 are imbedded at an angle with respect to the teeth.

In FIG. 10 I have shown a nozzle 9 in position over the pin 13, however nozzle 9, 10 or 11 may be used depending upon the circumstances.

In FIG. 11 the protuberance shown in FIG. 1 and 2 at 3 is positioned over the nozzle 9 to make a firm water tight connection therewith and the reinforcing member 4, serving to maintain it in position.

As shown in FIG. 12 there is shown a portion of the member 2 adjacent the teeth 12 with the nozzles 9 positioned over the protuberances 3 and surrounding the pins 13 which are imbedded in the member 12.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 12 and shows a suitable acrylic resin 14 imbedded around the nozzle 9 and in contact with the member 12.

I have shown in FIG. 14 the complete assembly of my invention as shown in the various Figures and with particular reference to FIG. 1. In this figure the member 2 is shown embracing the teeth 15 with the nozzles interposed between the teeth, with the acrylic resin 14 surrounding the teeth and nozzles 9 as shown.

In the practicing of my invention the following steps are taken:

I. A plaster cast or working model of the teeth is made.

2. After the plaster cast has set, steel pins are inserted by automatic mallet in the crevices around the neck of the teeth at approximately 30 degrees with respect to the long axis of the tooth. 'They are placed carefully where x-rays and clinical examination indicate peridontal disease or a need for special cleansing exists.

3. After the required number of pins have been positioned, a suitably shaped plastic sleeve is placed over the pins in contact with the'tooth or gums of the cast.

4. When all the required nozzles are in position over the pins, the protuberances on the semi-flexible U shaped member are positioned over the pins and nozzles and sealed thereto to provide a sealed water tight connection therebetween.

5. A suitable quick cure acrylic resin is introduced between the outer surface of the cast and the U shaped member which fills up enough of the interstices to assure repeated correct positioning of the nozzles with respect to the teeth. Thus, assuring a tailor made appliance with respect to the users mouth and one which will repeatedly accurately position itself when inserted in the mouth.

6. After the acrylic has hardened the U shaped member is removed from the cast and the pins are removed.

7. The appliance is now ready for use and may be hooked up to any suitable source of liquid supply which will exert sufficient pressure to cleanse the teeth.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention it is understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and I am only limited by the scope of the appended claims. One such change would be a group of plastic tubules, noodles", which are positioned on the pins and connected to a manifold outlet.

What is claimed is:

1.' The steps of making a dental and periodontal cleansing and treating appliance which comprises the following:

a. Making a cast of the individual patients teeth,

b. Inserting suitable pins in the cast where attention must be given,

c. Placing over the pins suitable nozzles or sleeves,

d. Surrounding the cast with a flexible tube having protuberances extending therefrom,

e. Fitting the desired protuberances over the nozzles to provide water tight connections,

f. Introducing a suitable acrylic resin around the interticies, between the cast and the flexible tube to position the nozzles against movement,

g. After the resin has set remove the tubing together with the nozzles from the cast, The pins are then removed from the invented appliance. 

1. The steps of making a dental and periodontal cleansing and treating appliance which comprises the following: a. Making a cast of the individual patient''s teeth, b. Inserting suitable pins in the cast where attention must be given, c. Placing over the pins suitable nozzles or sleeves, d. Surrounding the cast with a flexible tube having protuberances extending therefrom, e. Fitting the desired protuberances over the nozzles to provide water tight connections, f. Introducing a suitable acrylic resin around the interticies, between the cast and the flexible tube to position the nozzles against movement, g. After the resin has set remove the tubing together with the nozzles from the cast, The pins are then removed from the invented appliance. 